How to Shoot a Scene Using Basic Coverage

You can't piece together a coherent scene without proper coverage... So here are the basic concepts to get you started.
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►How to Direct Action
• Filmmaking: How to Dir...
▼ Timestamps ▼
» 0:00 - Constructing an Experience
» 1:09 - Coverage
» 3:25 - The Establishing Shot
» 3:39 - The Master Shot
» 4:01 - Reverse Angle
» 4:22 - The Oner
» 4:50 - The 180 Degree Rule
» 6:53 - Get Free Filmmaking Assets
» 8:05 - Scene Breakdown: Raiders
» 9:03 - Scene Breakdown: Bridge of Spies
» 9:48 - Triangle Coverage
» 10:00 - Scene Breakdown: Blade Runner 2049
» 13:05 - Final Thoughts
#FilmRiot #Filmmaking #Cinematography
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[@daniel.lopresti]

Montage is simply the French word for editing :)

[@kraytdragonslair1545]

Also in dutch 😄

[@daniel.lopresti]

@@kraytdragonslair1545 Je hebt gelijk! :)

[@nyazillagojira7079]

And yet people tend to use it when they want to feel/sound french. Edit has come to infer = take apart n resort.

[@Ootini4]

I think the 180 degree rule can be compared to watching a play, and maybe that's why it feels correct as well. As an audience member, in the theater, the stage is our 180 line. The camera can be thought of as the audience, so we should always be on the other side of the stage. I think that makes sense?!

[@MaxIronsThird]

The way he explained was simpler, more organic and easier to relate.

[@VariTimo]

The 180° rule is incredibly overrated and the most important thing to take away from what Ryan said is that you need to understand it to break it. The only purpose of the 180° rule is so the viewer won’t get disoriented. That’s it. If you can break it without disorienting the viewer than you don’t need to worry about breaking it because its only purpose is to keep the viewer oriented. I can’t stress this enough. It’s unbelievable how many filmmakers from all levels will whine about the 180° rule being broken without tasking one second to think about all the reasons a storyteller might have to break it.

[@MaxIronsThird]

@@VariTimo I agree with you in part, but you should only break the 180 rule if you really need it or think that it's going to improve the storytelling

[@VariTimo]

@@MaxIronsThird This is why I don’t like “rules”. Most people just don’t know how to use them.

[@MaxIronsThird]

@@VariTimo Rules are for people that don't know what they're doing, once you know them by heart, you can start acting on instinct, and break whatever rule you want

[@insanejughead]

I'm pretty sure Alfred Hitchcock is still alive somewhere, finishing his thoughts on what filmmaking is in a nutshell. Then he'll move onto beginning his masterclass.

[@FILMFRAT]

I could not agree more 💯

[@anilgajbhare9674]

Wow! Don't forget to write, shoot, edit, and repeat!!

[@AthanCondax]

Tutorials like this (and the last one) are really awesome. This is exactly what you need to craft scenes with intention, as you put it. Way better than that 1,000,000 "3 point lighting" tutorials that you normally find KZbin filmmakers are publishing.

[@EverythingFilm]

You know it’s a good day when Film Riot comes out with a new video

[@FILMFRAT]

It’s a good day for a good day when film riots in town for real

[@inglesamericano101]

Very informative episode! It's been a while since I've left a comment, great job Ryan!

[@faresmejdi5216]

me too! great analysis of the the blade runner scene

[@PaulHeimlund]

I could watch these editing breakdowns for hours!😅 Thanks for sharing and keep’em coming!

[@DaveSy]

I don't think this topic can ever be covered enough! So many awesome nuggets in here that should be reviewed periodically, even if nothing in particular is new.

[@SimpHarderPlz]

This was incredible. I love the thought and detail hidden in plain sight that's used to add subtext to a scene. I'm definitely going to look at movies with the new lens. Thank you!

[@givfilms]

In the midst of pre-production on the biggest project I've ever produced, and it is so nice to get videos that go back to the basics. It's keeping me sane. Thank you!!!

[@africaamaze]

It's shocking that I have started my own KZbin channel for teaching Filmmaking. I totally owe everything to Film Riot

[@nafun123]

It’s videos like these that keep me an awe of the free education someone can get on KZbin. So, THANK YOU Film Riot. Please never go away. Every video is full of value.

[@amirmohammed841]

Amazing just freakin amazing Ryan!! I was so invested that the video ended quickly. I am so grateful for you and your family. Thank you!

[@OlgaKuznetsova]

This was so cool to watch!! Thank you for the breakdown and explanation of the potential meaning/purpose of each shot!!

[@pokguys16]

Filmriot when you want Filmriot when you need Filmriot in the morning Filmriot everyday

[@elliotthyppolite]

Gahd i love film riot, i feel your genuine passionate souls through the episodes. Its inspiring and energizing. Thank you so much for doing this all these years!🙏🏾

[@webgraphr718]

This was a great episode Ryan! Nice ideas here and a great refresher on some of the rules. Also, could watch another hour of Spielberg's approach to filmmaking. Featuring Raiders of the Lost Ark was such a bonus for me!

[@MattAitia]

This video makes it so digestible to understand coverage. I recently started watching films back a second time to screen shot frames I like and try to understand the blocking and coverage. It's so important as filmmakers! Thanks for the video!

[@dkkeyz8815]

It’s been a few years but you guys are back to where I found you! Thank you

[@crlkc2k876]

i really enoyed this video as a future filmmaker i had coverage problems with friends and i had tough time when editing but this just showed me how important planing coverage before shooting is. thanks a lot

[@JAUNTYJAKE]

Even though I went to "FILM SCHOOL" I found this a lot more helpful than anything I paid to learn. thanks for always looking out for us creators Ryan

[@canbakr5602]

I love these basic concept coverages! Thank you Film Riot!

[@TotallyNotFunny]

I’ve been following for awhile, but I gotta say: this channel is really something special. You deserve all the praise you get, Ryan!

[@JAUNTYJAKE]

It always amazes me how you are so informative about all these Hollywood style tips. I truly hope you will make it there soon.

[@FiveMinuteFilmSchool]

This is a great series! Very informative, and I love the examples you've used!

[@earnieboy54]

Holy shit! If the scene is the sentence then the shots are the words! That is the best thing I’ve heard about coverage!!!!

[@JamalBakari]

Great quality, well polished. You articulated well what I couldn't put my finger on when it came to great directing.

[@TravisRichey]

This is great, thank you! I've been watching your stuff for over 10 years now and I remember using your tips in my first web series! It's nice to step back and refresh the basics. ~Trav

[@smepable]

That was a really well built episode going from the basics to more advanced examples.

[@ParkerDV]

Exactly what I needed. Working on a new short now. Thanks Film Riot!

[@skinnersweet1263]

No matter how many time I watch Hitch talking about assembly on the cut, his grim is awesome as hell !!!

[@felixnormanlinder1343]

Thank you so much for this! This will help me a ton for a project I'm working on. Love your work!

[@UsamaMahmoudSultan]

This is more than 101, never disappointed with your videos, thank you so much

[@DigitalInertia]

Been really liking this train of videos. Looking forward to more of what you were saying you would bring out at the end of this episode. Thanks Film Riot for the free education!

[@ChaseArrington]

EXCELLENT Ryan!!! The Hitchcock cutaway was a PERFECT reference.

[@SpirusFilms]

Love the basics refreshers, very useful

[@soundbreaker2485]

I’ve been watching you guys since year 1 & never disappointed!

[@DafterThings]

So useful and well explained. Great examples.

[@movieman925]

i love these videos, back to some basic concepts that a lot of people still don't think about

[@shiladitya_biswas]

Mixkit is actually one of the best free asset sites out there! I've been using it for like 6-7 months and its amazing!

[@filmakr7088]

this episode was super valuble to my most recent short! Thanks Film Riot

[@jaylamb218]

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! This may have been the best yet from you guys, and I’ve said that a time or two, but I mean it this time!! You guys always give the best no matter the topic!!! Brilliant!!!

[@KtmDesignz]

one of your best videos! and I have seen many

[@TechBasement]

Mindblowing and eyeopening. Thank you!

[@WillinovaTV]

this is amazing, engaging and informative

[@Adithiyanvenkat]

Dayum! Starting off with the kuleshov effect, informative and amazing as always thanks Ryan, been here since 15”.

[@topicruben]

Thanks Ryan, this was fantastic 🙏. Cheers from Italy

[@athuls3011]

Do more videos like this in depth it's very helpful. Keep it up guys😊👍

[@wanderingjuniper]

Just brilliantly explained, thank you

[@kavanrana8500]

I really liked these videos! Breakdown of Blade Runner 2049 is really creative! Keep it up Ryan!

[@ImagenStudios]

Great Job! as always, very informative, I've been a fan since the DIY camera jib several years ago, I still have mine, and it's great you keep coming up with great content. Keep Up the great work!

[@soile463]

Very precise and to the point teaching 👏

[@SathyaPeacock]

Lots of information man, thanks for what you do

[@SeekingtheTruthofGod]

Thank you so much! This was really helpful!

[@haddonhousefilms]

Always on point. Film Riot for the win!!

[@chrischristenson]

Hitchcock at x1.50 speed nails it! “Even Rocky had a sports themed montage!”

[@faresmejdi5216]

great analysis of the the blade runner scene! thank you

[@jean-david-ouellette]

Man, this is solid content!

[@renaudboulangerlevesque4479]

Very interesting, especially the Blade Runner 2049 analysis!

[@EJVC81]

So impressive explanation, TY

[@stephen1Oace]

Letting the actors act is always a good idea. I've worked with directors that had a ton of scene coverage because the scripts were pretty crappy, a good director can cover everybody's ass especially a bad script, and bad acting, coverage is key. Kudos to this channel.

[@RMJRVIDEO]

I've been attending FRU (Film Riot University) for years. I never stop learning, even in my late 50's. Thanks FRU!

[@flightographist]

The medium close up reverse brought in the eye light emphasis.

[@ChristianClaudioCoupeFilms]

Very good episode ! Thanks film riot

[@krisproduction4105]

It is super informative content I've ever seen!

[@levimallett11]

I love how the last four words are in time with the music. I thought that was sick.

[@NHStudios1]

Wow! That tutorial was very awesome! That helped a lot!

[@zfsachsag]

Been waiting for this episode all week since Ryan mentioned it in the previous one. Weeeeeew!

[@benjamintaylor4158]

this and your action video were fantastic

[@ruralcooking9442]

Thanks for sharing this knowledge

[@noelscharer4628]

Thanks so much. I love your videos👏

[@MikesShortOnes]

Thank you so much for all that you do!

[@nyazillagojira7079]

I immediately thought of Hitchcock saying that very thing. i watched this actual interview. It was like a 40 min. Masterclass .

[@JoshHereUK]

Very useful to refer to in the future thanks guys 🙌

[@heyhithereboy]

This is so good, I have been contemplating to go to film school or to learn all of it online and not go in debt and this definetly helps me with leaning towards the online route :)

[@SILVER-zf2hu]

Honestly the best thing about film school is the people you connect with. Film school is how I managed to wrangle together a permanent crew. Can't make a legitimate film, short or otherwise without a group of dedicated and ambitious people around you will similar aspirations. Best of luck with whatever direction you choose to go in!

[@josephemmons8496]

10+ years and still bringing crazy value. Good stuff Ryan and Film Riot team!

[@mediasmithsllc3052]

How many times have you worked on a project (for a client or a film [shot, long, etc.]), seen something eye-opening like this that makes you rethink almost EVERYTHING you did earlier? (and that's a good thing. There's always room to grow, learn, appreciate different perspectives, etc.). Thank you so much for this video. Appreciated as always.

[@matthewlyons9095]

Super helpful video with some great info

[@YanisKalashProduction]

Great one bro 😎

[@erskinhansen1715]

Pretty informative, thanks!

[@abuferasabdullah]

Very informative. Thanks👍🏼 شكرًا

[@bradenbecker]

This is one of the most informative episodes in a while- I learned a lot here. Thanks Ryan!

[@nyazillagojira7079]

Check out some his Resources. The man knows how to get things done.

[@bradenbecker]

@@nyazillagojira7079 oh trust me, I know lol. Been subbed for years and learned a good chunk of my filmmaking knowledge here.

[@CommandoNinja]

Your videos are really really good, well written and short with all the basics, great job Ryan. Also I find it way more pleasing with you, than watching the less personal studio binder videos, which are still very informative too.

[@shvsagar]

whenever Filmmaking 101 drops !! i'm so happy !

[@christopherokonkwo6111]

Very educational, thank you Ryan

[@HitechProductions]

Thanks, I am getting ready to discuss a shot list with my DP on my most ambitious short yet. It's always good to review the basics. :^)

[@brittacurkovic]

Thanks this was fantastic!

[@MICKYSTATEN]

Ryan I love you man! So much! Thank you! Needed this as we prep for some upcoming shorts. Please keep it coming, looking forward to the blocking cause I suck at that, especially taking into account lighting or available light or lack thereof , the whole song and dance of it all. Thank you man!

[@filmriot]

So glad it helped you! And good luck on your short!

[@MICKYSTATEN]

@@filmriot thank you!

[@ginotarabotto]

Fabulous video!

[@Gravitation3Beatles3]

love that you had that Hitchcock clip, never heard his words before but very wise

[@AV.Creative]

That tron track 👌🔥

[@alex0589]

One movie that always makes me very aware of "coverage" and framing (in a good way) is Sicario (2015). From the first shot to the last scene with Del toro and Emily Blunt, it's just solid. May be obvious to some (it's Villeneuve and Deakins) but you can screenshot a frame from every shot in the movie and read it like a graphic novel without getting lost. (they storyboard for months in pre)

[@NegaPreto_]

I'll certainly try some of these in future things

[@1BigBucks1]

LOL, the shots of old Hitch 'smiling'

[@HessRoyale]

Good video as always legends

[@gulraizbhutta]

Alot of knowledge in one video

[@ayeeeck4512]

Hitchcock's explaination was so funny 😂😂😂

[@antelopesurf]

hmm I think it's ...RIOT > WRITE > SHOOT > EDIT > REPEAT So enjoyable and learned loads, thanks

[@ramtinnazeryan]

Loved it. please do more :)